Taipei Hotel

A stay in a Taipei hotel lets you explore this lively metropolis that is an interesting combination of new and old. Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and also its cultural and financial center. Approximately 7 million people live in Greater Taipei, and over 2.5 million in the central city area. Taipei has 21st century skyscrapers and old temples, trendy shopping malls and busy street markets, and an abundance of good food. Taipei often loses out to Hong Kong and other major Asian cities as a tourist destination, but it is a fascinating place to visit. As soon as you step out of your Taipei hotel you will be surrounded with a vibrant atmosphere.

Taipei Hotel Accommodation Options

If your Taipei hotel is one of the major international hotels, it is likely to be located in East Taipei. The city is divided into two main parts, and the modern East has many top hotels, entertainment venues and big shopping malls. East Taipei is a major shopping destination and there are many excellent restaurants here too. West Taipei is the older part of the city and here you can find old narrow alleyways and some of the old architecture that is still left in the middle of the modern skyscrapers. Many government buildings are also located here. Street markets, small shops, local restaurants and food courts are at your doorstep if you stay in a West Taipei hotel.

Four- and five-star Taipei hotel accommodation options include many top international chains. The Grand Hyatt Taipei is popular with business travelers and it is located a walking distance from the famous Taipei 101 building. A luxurious option is the Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, known for it high standards of service and accommodation. Conveniently located near many major tourist attractions including the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this is one of the best options for a five-star stay. Another good choice close to the city's major points of interest is the Le Meridien in the Xinyui area. A stay in Le Meridien guarantees that you are within a walking distance from many of the most interesting places to visit in the city. 

One of the most long-standing international hotels in Taipei is the Sheraton, located slightly further away from the center in the Zhongshan area, but still within easy reach from he major attractions. Like all four- and five-star hotels in the city, the Sheraton offers a wide range of amenities from swimming pools to several restaurants and bars. However, probably the most famous place to stay in the whole Taiwan is the Grand Hotel. It is often voted as one of the best hotels in the world, and it was also seen in the movie Eat Drink Man Woman by Ang Lee. Located close to Yuanshan, the five-star Grand Hotel is one of the top choices for a Taipei hotel.

Choosing a Taipei Hotel near the Major Tourist Attractions

Visitors staying in a Taipei hotel in the eastern part of the city are within easy reach of many tourist attractions. Taipei 101, officially the Taipei International Financial Center, is  a skyscraper with 101 floors. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and you can take a fast elevator service to the observation deck on the 89th floor for views over the city, or enjoy the views on the outdoors deck two floors above. There is also a huge shopping mall with dozens of stores, good restaurants and cafs. Nearby, the Sun Yat-se Memorial Hall is devoted to  Dr. Sun Yat-sen, often called the Father of the Nation. In the front of the building is a large park that is a good place to stop for a while. Inside you can find a statue of Sun Yat-sen and several art exhibitions. Concerts are also held here and you can ask your Taipei hotel about booking tickets in advance.

Staying in an East Taipei hotel also gives you an opportunity to visit another famous building, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. National events and celebrations are celebrated outside in the gardens, and the national flag is raised here daily. Locals come to the lawns in the early morning to practice tai chi. In the Memorial Hall grounds you can also find the National Concert Hall and the National Theater Hall. To get here from your Taipei hotel, take the MRT to the Chiang Kai-shek station.

If your Taipei hotel has a spa with hot springs, it is highly recommended that you try this local pastime. There are also many public hot springs, including the popular ones in Wulai, in Beitou and in the Yangmingshan National Park. Another recommended activity is a visit to a street market. The Shilin Night market is especially popular with tourists and it is a good idea to allow a few hours to explore the countless stalls that sell clothes, bags, accessories and food. Markets can be great places to sample Taipei's excellent street food, and the Shilin market food stalls are famous for their delicious and hygienic offerings. Wherever you stay in Taipei, you can find affordable street food or gourmet meals in five-star restaurants. Choose from different varieties of Chinese food or foods from around Asia, including Japanese, Thai and Korean. The Golden Dragon Restaurant in the Grand Hotel, the most famous Taipei hotel, is known around the world.

How to Travel to and from Your Taipei Hotel

The easiest way to travel between your choice of Taipei hotel and the city's many attractions is the Mass Rapid Transport, or MRT. Taipei's metro is a convenient way to move around and it is very easy to use. The stations have maps and tourist information in English. The system covers most of the city, and there are stations near many of the major tourist attractions. If you prefer using a taxi, you can easily find a yellow taxi everywhere in the city center. Stop one on the street, use one of the official taxi stands or ask your Taipei hotel to book a taxi for you.